

Proteus UTIs are uncommon in people with normal urinary tracts, although they do occur. The bacteria in the raft coordinate their movements and the raft as a whole moves rapidly over a surface, acting almost like a multicellular creature. In the raft, the flagella of neighboring cells become interwoven. The swarmer cells form an arrangement called a raft. The cells are now known as swarmer cells. The flagella are very thin and may not be visible in photos or videos. They become much longer-up to eighty µm in length-and develop many more flagella. When the swimmer cells settle on a surface, their structure changes. A micrometer (µm) is a millionth of a meter or a thousandth of a millimeter. Each cell is one or two micrometers in length. The flagella move and enable the bacterium to travel through a liquid. Swimmer cells are rod-shaped and bear eight to ten thin, whip-like extensions called flagella. These forms are known as swimmer cells and swarmer cells. Proteus mirabilis is an interesting, single-celled bacterium that exists in two different forms. In a female, the bacteria don't have far to travel to reach the urinary bladder and the rest of the urinary tract. A female's urethra is about one and a half inches in length while a male's is about eight inches long. Women have a far higher incidence of UTIs than men, not only because of the location of their urethral opening but also because their urethra is shorter. Bacteria can also enter the urethra from the opening to the reproductive tract, which is located between the anus and the urethral opening. Health experts recommend that women wipe from front to back after defecation to reduce the chance of bacterial entry into the urethra. It's quite easy for bacteria to move from the anus to the urethra, which is one reason why hygiene and careful toilet habits are important. In women, the anus is behind and close to the urethral opening. Causes of UTIs and Possible Prevention Steps The following information is given for general interest.

Someone who is concerned about experiencing a UTI or who suspects that they may have one or that someone that they care for may have one should contact their doctor for advice.
